Recreation Comedy Clubs Guide

Since the dawn of time, wanna-bes have been coming to Los Angeles with the hope of seeing their name in lights. Some of them are even funny. Jim Carrey, Lisa Kudrow and Will Ferrell all had to start somewhere—most of those somewheres are listed below. —Elisa Jacobs

The Laugh Factory

With sister branches in Times Square and Long Beach, this Hollywood landmark regularly welcomes the likes of Dane Cook, Jon Lovitz and Bob Saget, Chris Rock, Dave Chappelle and Jamie Kennedy have been known to stop by for All-Star Nights.

The Comedy Store

Despite being tainted by the reality-TV antics of Pauly Shore, this Sunset Strip mainstay, which has hosted the likes of Jim Carrey and David Letterman, still packs in crowds thanks to stand-up acts like Curb Your Enthusiasm actor Jeff Garlin.

The Groundlings Theatre

The former stomping ground of many a famous actor, The Groundlings Theatre saw Will Ferrell, Lisa Kudrow, Cheryl Hines and Chris Kattan through their funny-awkward years. Nowadays, the pint-sized theater reels in crowds with a solid lineup of sketch and improv shows.

Upright Citizens Brigade Theatre

This cheapie fave cofounded by "SNL"'s Amy Poehler gets sides splitting for less than $10. The weekly "Comedy Death-Ray" and "ASSSSCAT" shows are popular favorites: Sarah Silverman, Patton Oswalt and Paul F. Tompkins are frequent Death-Ray headliners.

The Ice House

Since opening in 1970, this Pasadena institution has welcomed the likes of Billy Crystal and Jay Leno. Today, the club hosts weekly shows like the Latino Comedy Showcase and welcomes comedians like Bill Maher.

Improv Olympic West

Sandwiched on Hollywood Boulevard, I.O. West dedicates stage time to up-and-coming comedians, many of whom are just as funny as their more seasoned counterparts. Many of the shows are free, and include complimentary pizza and drinks—no joke.

National Comedy Theatre

This theater is home to "Comedy Sportz," the longest-running comedy show in LA, in which two competitive teams of improv comedians are pitted against each other for quick-witted duels.

ACME Comedy Theatre

Sketch comedy, improv, variety and guest shows are all on the menu at ACME. In addition to presenting shows from its six improv and sketch comedy troupes, ACME frequently welcomes visiting companies to keep the lineup fresh.

Largo

This club may be renowned for welcoming local music legends like Jon Brion and Aimee Mann, but the nightspot is equally dedicated to comedy. Acts like Sarah Silverman, Margaret Cho, Eddie Izzard, Drew Carey and Julia Sweeney are not out of the ordinary.